The Benefits of Supplements For Your Pet

There is little doubt that supplements and vitamins are wonderful for people. So what about supplements and vitamins for dogs? Are they something that you, as a pet owner, should consider for your animals? Do they work for pets in the same way that they work for people?

ARE SUPPLEMENTS FOR DOGS NECESSARY?

These questions and many others probably come to mind when you read about pet supplements. Animals experience many of the same diseases and ailments that people experience, especially as they age. Vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin A are considered essential for helping to support a healthy immune system in a person. Are these vitamins requirements the same for an animal? Yes and no. Vitamins impact the growth and development of animals in much the same way that they do in people.
A healthy diet, including a good and nutritious pet food, will generally supply the vitamins necessary for a dog as they grow. Though just like people, pets might require additional vitamins or supplements as they age or during pregnancy or periods of illness.

Dog supplements for pets can help to maintain good health throughout each stage of life. Pets that are fed an entirely homemade diet can lack essential nutrients, which are more readily available in commercial pet foods. These animals should be given a multivitamin on a daily basis. Talk to you veterinarian about finding the right multivitamin and consider using our K-10+® Multi-Vitamin. Many on the market today, as is our K-10+® formula, are made to supplement store-bought pet food, so your pet on a homemade diet will need different amounts of the essential vitamins.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR WORKING DOGS

Some veterinarians recommend that working animals like herding dogs be given vitamin supplements because of the amounts of energy expended during their job. Most dog vitamins and multivitamins will have added antioxidants which are thought to help divert any muscle damage during work. A working dog can be placed under extreme stress, especially endurance sled dogs or guard dogs. These pets should be treated like a highly trained athlete and supplements designed to support muscle function may be helpful. Consider using our Advanced Protein Bars made with premium quality Whey Protein.

ALL-AROUND USEFUL SUPPLEMENTS

Vitamin B and fatty acids help to build a healthy skin and coat. A dog with a dull coat or flaky skin could benefit from a fish oil supplement or any supplement with polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Vitamin A, which is found in many protein sources like liver and dairy products, is the chief protector of your pet’s vision. While most pets foods will contain enough, a lack of vitamin A can lead to vision problems including night blindness. Skin and hair are also damaged by an insufficiency of this vitamin. If you’re concerned about your pet’s vitamin A intake, talk to your vet about adding a supplement. Be sure to seek the advice of your vet since too much vitamin A can lead to coat and bone issues. Consider using our Omega-3 which is designed to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin, support proper growth and development and help support normal shedding

VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR SENIOR PETS

Aging pets are the group that will receive the largest benefits from vitamins and supplements. Just like humans, dogs and other pets, have wear and tear on bones & ligaments as they age. Glucosamine supplements may decrease the discomfort this causes in both people and animals. Many veterinarians recommend a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin to preserve and lubricate aging joints. Along with these targeted supplements, a multivitamin and mineral supplement can help to preserve health and increase comfort in an aging pet. Consider our K-10+® Glucosamine Supplement.
Choosing a vitamin and supplement routine for your pet might sound complicated. Talking to your veterinarian will help you to decide on the correct dog supplements for your pet. Especially as pets age, vitamins and supplements can be beneficial.